'We need help' is Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli's message to the world as his country witnesses a surge in Wuhan Virus cases. Palki Sharma tells you how delicate Nepal's situation is.

Gravitas: Nepal PM sends out SOS call for second wave

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari's three-day ultimatum is about to over but the political parties are still struggling to reach deal over the formation of a new government, which leads to the question- Who will be Nepal's next Prime Minister?

Nepal President Bhandari's three-day ultimatum over

Five people suffocated in a&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;hospital after oxygen ran out this week, just the latest victims of a vicious Covid surge that risks devastating the impoverished country and its ill-equipped healthcare system.

Daily new cases have risen 60-fold since April 1 and nearly a thousand people have died in the past 10 days, according to official figures which, as in neighboring&nbsp;India, are seen as under-reporting the scale of the virus.

The mountainous country of almost 30 million is now seeing severe cases flood hospitals as oxygen cylinders empty faster than they can be refilled and almost half of those tested return positive.

In the capital Kathmandu, several hospitals have said they can no longer admit new patients, turning away desperate relatives looking for beds for infected loved ones.

And&nbsp;Nepal's prime minister now faces accusations that he missed a window of opportunity to stem the virus' spread -- allowing public gatherings and international travel even as cases soared to devastating levels across the border in India.&nbsp;

Samir Kumar Adhikari, chief of the Health Ministry's Heath Emergency Operation Centre, said that the country is now in a "crisis situation".

"If even 20 percent of the thousands in home isolation require hospital beds and care, it might reach a point where we will not be able to handle it," he said.

The five Covid patients who died this week were being treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Rupandehi in southern&nbsp;Nepal.

"Our vehicles were queueing with cylinders to refill at three different refilling stations, but none were able to do so on time," Bishnu Gautam, a doctor at the Lumbini Provincial Hospital, told AFP.

Gaurav Sharda, president of&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Oxygen Industry Association, said that demand is outstripping production capacity.

"All oxygen plants in Kathmandu are operating 24 hours and supplying oxygen in their full capacity. We can refill only 8,000 cylinders a day but demand is much higher."

Nepal&nbsp;has one of the world's worst-funded health systems, with the number of doctors per capita lower even than India.

The reasons for the surge in cases is similar to its huge neighbour --&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;began recording a rise in cases in early April, a month after India, but the government continued to allow, even organise, large religious festivals and political gatherings.&nbsp;

Many Nepalis attended India's Kumbh Mela festival alongside millions of local Hindu devotees -- including the former king and queen who were later hospitalised after testing positive.&nbsp;

Indian travellers also flocked to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to fly on elsewhere as the world restricted flights from India, until a ban was enforced.

Former health minister Gagan Thapa, now an opposition lawmaker, said that&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;had wasted two crucial months in which it could have stemmed the outbreak.&nbsp;

"No matter the mistakes we made earlier, if we had used that window of opportunity, the damages would be much less than what we are seeing right now," Thapa said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has faced fierce criticism over his handling of the pandemic.

As cases rose, he suggested gargling with guava leaves would cure the virus -- topping his comments last year that spices would strengthen Nepalis' immune systems.

Oli on Monday lost a confidence vote in parliament -- due more to political infighting rather than the pandemic -- and talks are now on to form a new government.

The&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Medical Association has appealed to politicians to "postpone their political calculations" and prioritise saving lives.&nbsp;

Nepal&nbsp;typically relies on India for most of its medical supplies, but its powerful neighbour is now busy fighting its own crisis.

In March New Delhi effectively froze exports of vaccines to focus on its own needs and has only delivered half of what&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;had ordered.&nbsp;

Only 2.4 million shots from India and China have been administered, and just over one percent of people have received both doses.

That's even worse than India, which has fully vaccinated around three percent of its population.

Nepal&nbsp;has now turned to China for help, this week sending an aircraft to pick up the first 400 out of a promised 20,000 oxygen cylinders and other supplies.

Beijing has also provided 800,000 coronavirus vaccines to&nbsp;Nepal.

Nepalis abroad have been rallying to get urgent help for the country, with #vaccines4nepal trending on Twitter on Wednesday as US senators discussed aid to the country.&nbsp;

The UN resident coordinator in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Sara Beysolow Nyanti said that the country needed help "urgently".

"We have a similar burden to India but less capacity to cope," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"(It) is important for international community to realise the vulnerability of&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;differently from India."

On Monday, the government made a formal call on development partners for support, prioritising oxygen, ICU equipment and vaccines.

Five people suffocated in a Nepal hospital after oxygen ran out this week, just the latest victims of a vicious Covid surge that risks devastating the impoverished country and its ill-equipped healthcare system.

Five people suffocated in a Nepal hospital after oxygen ran out this week, just the latest victims of a vicious Covid surge that risks devastating the impoverished country and its ill-equipped healthcare system. Daily new cases have risen 60-fold since April 1 and nearly a thousand people have died in the past 10 days, according to official figures which, as in neighboring India, are seen as under-reporting the scale of the virus. The mountainous country of almost 30 million is now seeing severe cases flood hospitals as oxygen cylinders empty faster than they can be refilled and almost half of those tested return positive. In the capital Kathmandu, several hospitals have said they can no longer admit new patients, turning away desperate relatives looking for beds for infected loved ones. And Nepal's prime minister now faces accusations that he missed a window of opportunity to stem the virus' spread -- allowing public gatherings and international travel even as cases soared to devastating levels across the border in India. Samir Kumar Adhikari, chief of the Health Ministry's Heath Emergency Operation Centre, said that the country is now in a "crisis situation". "If even 20 percent of the thousands in home isolation require hospital beds and care, it might reach a point where we will not be able to handle it," he said. The five Covid patients who died this week were being treated in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Rupandehi in southern Nepal. "Our vehicles were queueing with cylinders to refill at three different refilling stations, but none were able to do so on time," Bishnu Gautam, a doctor at the Lumbini Provincial Hospital, told AFP. Gaurav Sharda, president of Nepal Oxygen Industry Association, said that demand is outstripping production capacity. "All oxygen plants in Kathmandu are operating 24 hours and supplying oxygen in their full capacity. We can refill only 8,000 cylinders a day but demand is much higher." Nepal has one of the world's worst-funded health systems, with the number of doctors per capita lower even than India. The reasons for the surge in cases is similar to its huge neighbour -- Nepal began recording a rise in cases in early April, a month after India, but the government continued to allow, even organise, large religious festivals and political gatherings. Many Nepalis attended India's Kumbh Mela festival alongside millions of local Hindu devotees -- including the former king and queen who were later hospitalised after testing positive. Indian travellers also flocked to Nepal to fly on elsewhere as the world restricted flights from India, until a ban was enforced. Former health minister Gagan Thapa, now an opposition lawmaker, said that Nepal had wasted two crucial months in which it could have stemmed the outbreak. "No matter the mistakes we made earlier, if we had used that window of opportunity, the damages would be much less than what we are seeing right now," Thapa said. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has faced fierce criticism over his handling of the pandemic. As cases rose, he suggested gargling with guava leaves would cure the virus -- topping his comments last year that spices would strengthen Nepalis' immune systems. Oli on Monday lost a confidence vote in parliament -- due more to political infighting rather than the pandemic -- and talks are now on to form a new government. The Nepal Medical Association has appealed to politicians to "postpone their political calculations" and prioritise saving lives. Nepal typically relies on India for most of its medical supplies, but its powerful neighbour is now busy fighting its own crisis. In March New Delhi effectively froze exports of vaccines to focus on its own needs and has only delivered half of what Nepal had ordered. Only 2.4 million shots from India and China have been administered, and just over one percent of people have received both doses. That's even worse than India, which has fully vaccinated around three percent of its population. Nepal has now turned to China for help, this week sending an aircraft to pick up the first 400 out of a promised 20,000 oxygen cylinders and other supplies. Beijing has also provided 800,000 coronavirus vaccines to Nepal. Nepalis abroad have been rallying to get urgent help for the country, with #vaccines4nepal trending on Twitter on Wednesday as US senators discussed aid to the country. The UN resident coordinator in Nepal Sara Beysolow Nyanti said that the country needed help "urgently". "We have a similar burden to India but less capacity to cope," she told AFP. "(It) is important for international community to realise the vulnerability of Nepal differently from India." On Monday, the government made a formal call on development partners for support, prioritising oxygen, ICU equipment and vaccines.

Nepal reels from Covid 'crisis situation' as infections soar

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for global help as the country battles a surge in COVID-19 cases. Oli made the appeal through a piece published in UK Daily Guardian and sought global aid including oxygen kits and medicines.

Nepal's PM Oli makes appeal for global help through UK Daily amid COVID-19 surge

Nepal's devastating COVID-19 outbreak showed no signs of abating on Tuesday as the country recorded its highest single-day coronavirus related deaths with 225 fatalities and 9,483 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Now, the total number of deaths stands at 4,084 and infections at 413,111, the Ministry of Health and Population said.

In the last 24 hours, 5,225 COVID-19 patients have recovered, 20,596 polymerase chain reaction tests and 720 antigen tests have been conducted, the ministry said.

There are 97,008 active coronavirus cases in the Himalayan nation.

Of the new cases, 3,927 were reported from the Kathmandu Valley, where prohibitory orders have been extended till May 27. The restriction orders were first enforced on April 29 and were due to expire on May 12.

A deadly second wave of the pandemic is sweeping across Nepal, with about 8,000 new cases being reported daily for the past several days, which is quite high for a country of approximately 30 million people.

In an opinion piece published in The Guardian newspaper on Monday, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who lost a confidence vote in Nepal's House of Representatives earlier in the week, appealed to the UK and other developed nations to urgently provide his country with essential medical items, life-saving drugs and vaccines to combat the pandemic.

Meanwhile, China donated 400 oxygen cylinders, 160 oxygen concentrators, and 10 ventilators to Nepal on Tuesday.

A wide-body Nepal Airlines aircraft flew in the medical supplies, officials said, adding that the 400 oxygen cylinders are part of the 20,000 cylinders that China has promised to donate to the country.

General Manager of Nepal Airlines Dim Prakash Paudel told journalists an aircraft has been kept on standby to fly in the remaining health equipment which China has pledged.

Late last month, China had promised Nepal medical equipment and supplies equivalent to 5 million yuan (USD 780,000). The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers attended by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Nepal's devastating COVID-19 outbreak showed no signs of abating on Tuesday as the country recorded its highest single-day coronavirus related deaths with 225 fatalities and 9,483 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Nepal's devastating COVID-19 outbreak showed no signs of abating on Tuesday as the country recorded its highest single-day coronavirus related deaths with 225 fatalities and 9,483 new cases in the last 24 hours. Now, the total number of deaths stands at 4,084 and infections at 413,111, the Ministry of Health and Population said. In the last 24 hours, 5,225 COVID-19 patients have recovered, 20,596 polymerase chain reaction tests and 720 antigen tests have been conducted, the ministry said. There are 97,008 active coronavirus cases in the Himalayan nation. Of the new cases, 3,927 were reported from the Kathmandu Valley, where prohibitory orders have been extended till May 27. The restriction orders were first enforced on April 29 and were due to expire on May 12. A deadly second wave of the pandemic is sweeping across Nepal, with about 8,000 new cases being reported daily for the past several days, which is quite high for a country of approximately 30 million people. In an opinion piece published in The Guardian newspaper on Monday, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, who lost a confidence vote in Nepal's House of Representatives earlier in the week, appealed to the UK and other developed nations to urgently provide his country with essential medical items, life-saving drugs and vaccines to combat the pandemic. Meanwhile, China donated 400 oxygen cylinders, 160 oxygen concentrators, and 10 ventilators to Nepal on Tuesday. A wide-body Nepal Airlines aircraft flew in the medical supplies, officials said, adding that the 400 oxygen cylinders are part of the 20,000 cylinders that China has promised to donate to the country. General Manager of Nepal Airlines Dim Prakash Paudel told journalists an aircraft has been kept on standby to fly in the remaining health equipment which China has pledged. Late last month, China had promised Nepal medical equipment and supplies equivalent to 5 million yuan (USD 780,000). The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers attended by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Nepal records highest single-day deaths related to coronavirus; aid arrives from China

Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli lost vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Monday. Oli secured only 93 votes in favour in the 275-member lower house of parliament during a special session. President Bidya Devi Bhandari called on political parties to form a majority government within next three days.

Nepal PM Oli loses vote of confidence in House of Representatives

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari called on parties to form a new majority government by Thursday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost a trust vote in the parliament.&nbsp;

"President Bidya Devi Bhandari has decided to invite parties to form a majority government pursuant to Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal,"&nbsp;a statement issued by the President’s Office said.&nbsp;

She has asked all the parties to stake their claim by Thursday 9:00 PM.&nbsp;

Bhandari’s announcement to form a government came after Oli failed a vote of confidence in the Parliament with 93 votes in favor while 124 against the motion. Oli fell short of 43 votes to reach the 136-mark and win the vote of confidence. The session was attended by 232 lawmakers.&nbsp;

Three opposition leaders, Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress), Pushpa Kamal Dahal-Prachanda (CPN-Maoist Centre) and a faction of Janata Samajbadi Party led by Upendra Yadav had called on President to initiate government formation procedure, soon after the commencement of a special session of the parliament on Monday.

Nepali Congress has 61 lawmakers while CPN-Maoist Centre has 49 members in the Parliament. Only 17 of the total 32 lawmakers of Upendra Yadav faction are in support of Congress-led government.

Nepali Congress will still require 10 more votes to form a coalition government.&nbsp;

Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Rastriya Janamorcha Party each have one seat in the parliament and neither of them have announced their support to either party as of yet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Janata Samajbadi Party leader Mahantha Thakur has refused to be part of the new government formation.

In a statement, Thakur said that his party's priority is getting its agendas addressed rather than government formation or being part of any government.

With Oli failing the trust vote, the president needs to invoke Article 76 (2) to form a new government. It says in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House, the president shall appoint as the prime minister a member of the House who can command the majority with the support of two or more parties in the House of Representatives.

The House speaker Agni Sapkota had informed Monday's parliamentary meeting that the next session would be held on Thursday.&nbsp;

While addressing the Parliament, Oli had said, "It was unfortunate that a government that tirelessly worked for the country's development and nation-building was being targeted for narrow and partisan interests."&nbsp;

The prime minister also said that the government wanted to give its attention to the COVID-19 pandemic but was "facing difficulties".&nbsp;

Opposition leaders, including Deuba and Prachanda, Yadav blamed Oli for his failure to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases over the last few weeks.

 
&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari called on parties to form a new majority government by Thursday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost a trust vote in the parliament.

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari called on parties to form a new majority government by Thursday after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli lost a trust vote in the parliament. "President Bidya Devi Bhandari has decided to invite parties to form a majority government pursuant to Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal," a statement issued by the President’s Office said. She has asked all the parties to stake their claim by Thursday 9:00 PM. Bhandari’s announcement to form a government came after Oli failed a vote of confidence in the Parliament with 93 votes in favor while 124 against the motion. Oli fell short of 43 votes to reach the 136-mark and win the vote of confidence. The session was attended by 232 lawmakers. Three opposition leaders, Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress), Pushpa Kamal Dahal-Prachanda (CPN-Maoist Centre) and a faction of Janata Samajbadi Party led by Upendra Yadav had called on President to initiate government formation procedure, soon after the commencement of a special session of the parliament on Monday. Nepali Congress has 61 lawmakers while CPN-Maoist Centre has 49 members in the Parliament. Only 17 of the total 32 lawmakers of Upendra Yadav faction are in support of Congress-led government. Nepali Congress will still require 10 more votes to form a coalition government. Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Rastriya Janamorcha Party each have one seat in the parliament and neither of them have announced their support to either party as of yet. Meanwhile, Janata Samajbadi Party leader Mahantha Thakur has refused to be part of the new government formation. In a statement, Thakur said that his party's priority is getting its agendas addressed rather than government formation or being part of any government. With Oli failing the trust vote, the president needs to invoke Article 76 (2) to form a new government. It says in cases where no party has a clear majority in the House, the president shall appoint as the prime minister a member of the House who can command the majority with the support of two or more parties in the House of Representatives. The House speaker Agni Sapkota had informed Monday's parliamentary meeting that the next session would be held on Thursday. While addressing the Parliament, Oli had said, "It was unfortunate that a government that tirelessly worked for the country's development and nation-building was being targeted for narrow and partisan interests." The prime minister also said that the government wanted to give its attention to the COVID-19 pandemic but was "facing difficulties". Opposition leaders, including Deuba and Prachanda, Yadav blamed Oli for his failure to tackle the surge in COVID-19 cases over the last few weeks.

Will Nepal see a new government in three days? 

Even the world's highest peak is not immune from the virus. As the virus spreads on the Everest base camp, China is drawing lines to protect its climbers. Meanwhile, Nepal is urging all its climbers and guides to bring back oxygen tanks. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: China draws 'separation line' on Everest peak

China will set up a 'Line of Separation' at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from the Tibetan and Nepalese sides. Everest base camp on the Nepalese side has been hit by coronavirus cases since late April.

China to set up a 'Line of Separation' at Mount Everest Summit

Ahead of the vote of confidence on Monday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged all the CPN-UML leaders to come and cast their vote tomorrow in the Parliament and to not take any ‘undesirable’ step against the party.&nbsp;

In a statement, the PM said, recently ’harmful attempts’ have been made against the party.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-ministers-25-mps-test-covid-19-positive-ahead-of-nepal-pms-floor-test-383828">Five ministers, 25 MPs test COVID-19 positive ahead of Nepal PM’s floor test</a>

“Many harmful attempts have been made like crossing the floor in parliament, registering a vote of no-confidence and resigning by the lawmakers of the ruling party. These tendencies are harmful and are by no means appropriate,” Oli said in a statement.&nbsp;

He encouraged the leaders to further strengthen the party.&nbsp;

“As a party president, I urge everyone to not indulge in such activities. We have made this party. I am confident that leaders and cadres of this party will not harm their party,” the statement added.&nbsp;

The House of Representatives will decide the fate of Oli if he continues to reign or loses power. &nbsp;

The Maoist Centre has a total of 49 lawmakers, Nepali Congress has 61 and the Samajbadi Party has 31 in the lower house. Since the ruling CPN-UML has a total of 121 lawmakers, Prime Minister Oli is short of 15 lawmakers to save his government in the 275-member House.&nbsp;

Ahead of the vote of confidence on Monday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged all the CPN-UML leaders to come and cast their vote tomorrow in the Parliament and to not take any ‘undesirable’ step against the party.

Ahead of the vote of confidence on Monday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged all the CPN-UML leaders to come and cast their vote tomorrow in the Parliament and to not take any ‘undesirable’ step against the party. In a statement, the PM said, recently ’harmful attempts’ have been made against the party. Also read | Five ministers, 25 MPs test COVID-19 positive ahead of Nepal PM’s floor test “Many harmful attempts have been made like crossing the floor in parliament, registering a vote of no-confidence and resigning by the lawmakers of the ruling party. These tendencies are harmful and are by no means appropriate,” Oli said in a statement. He encouraged the leaders to further strengthen the party. “As a party president, I urge everyone to not indulge in such activities. We have made this party. I am confident that leaders and cadres of this party will not harm their party,” the statement added. The House of Representatives will decide the fate of Oli if he continues to reign or loses power. The Maoist Centre has a total of 49 lawmakers, Nepali Congress has 61 and the Samajbadi Party has 31 in the lower house. Since the ruling CPN-UML has a total of 121 lawmakers, Prime Minister Oli is short of 15 lawmakers to save his government in the 275-member House.

Ahead of trust vote, Nepalese PM Oli urges leaders not to take ‘undesirable’ step against party

Ahead of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's vote of confidence scheduled for May 10 in Nepal, five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID19.

COVID-19: 25 Nepalese MPs test COVID positive

China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.

Everest base camp on the Nepalese side has been hit by coronavirus cases since late April. The Nepalese government, starved of tourism revenue, has yet to cancel the spring climbing season, usually from April to early June before the monsoon rains.

It was not immediately clear how the line would be enforced on the summit, a tiny, perilous and inhospitable area the size of a dining table.

A small team of Tibetan climbing guides will ascend Everest and set up the "line of separation" at the summit to stop any contact between mountaineers from both sides of the peak, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the head of Tibet's sports bureau.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-mt-everest-climbers-show-symptoms-officials-dismiss-reports-of-possible-outbreak-383235">COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak</a>

A group of 21 Chinese nationals are en route to the summit on the Tibetan side, Xinhua reported.

The Tibetan guides will set up the separation line ahead of their arrival, the state-run news agency said, without describing what the line would look like.

It was also unclear whether the Tibetan guides would be the ones enforcing the "separation", or whether they would remain in the so-called death zone, where many lives have been lost due to a dearth of oxygen, to hold the line.

The top of the 8,848-metre peak is a small mound of snow with barely enough space for half a dozen climbers and guides at any one time.

China has not allowed any foreign climbers to ascend from the Tibetan side since the outbreak of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> last year due to infection concerns.

Tourists in the Everest scenic area in Tibet are also banned from visiting the base camp on the Tibetan side.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-reports-record-high-covid-19-cases-govt-warns-about-hospital-beds-shortage-382017">Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage</a>

Mainland China on Sunday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on May 8 - all of which involved travellers arriving from overseas - up from seven a day earlier. Nepal reported 9,023 new cases on Friday, the country's biggest one-day increase.

China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.

China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday. Everest base camp on the Nepalese side has been hit by coronavirus cases since late April. The Nepalese government, starved of tourism revenue, has yet to cancel the spring climbing season, usually from April to early June before the monsoon rains. It was not immediately clear how the line would be enforced on the summit, a tiny, perilous and inhospitable area the size of a dining table. A small team of Tibetan climbing guides will ascend Everest and set up the "line of separation" at the summit to stop any contact between mountaineers from both sides of the peak, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the head of Tibet's sports bureau. Also read | COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak A group of 21 Chinese nationals are en route to the summit on the Tibetan side, Xinhua reported. The Tibetan guides will set up the separation line ahead of their arrival, the state-run news agency said, without describing what the line would look like. It was also unclear whether the Tibetan guides would be the ones enforcing the "separation", or whether they would remain in the so-called death zone, where many lives have been lost due to a dearth of oxygen, to hold the line. The top of the 8,848-metre peak is a small mound of snow with barely enough space for half a dozen climbers and guides at any one time. China has not allowed any foreign climbers to ascend from the Tibetan side since the outbreak of the new coronavirus last year due to infection concerns. Tourists in the Everest scenic area in Tibet are also banned from visiting the base camp on the Tibetan side. Also read | Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage Mainland China on Sunday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on May 8 - all of which involved travellers arriving from overseas - up from seven a day earlier. Nepal reported 9,023 new cases on Friday, the country's biggest one-day increase.

China to create 'line of separation' at Everest summit on COVID fears

Coronavirus cases in Nepal are skyrocketing and hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with the huge influx of COVID-19 patients. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking help from other nations and also is under pressure because of the political crisis that is looming over his government.&nbsp;

“Nepal is facing the worst situation. As the pandemic is currently ravaging the country, we are trying to ensure continuous supply of food and prioritise the food security of the citizens. We need to boost our online business, e-commerce companies and meet the demands of our consumers,” Moti Lal Dugar, special economic advisor to PM Oli told WION. &nbsp;

“All the flights have been suspended and many borders with India have been closed, which will result in serious effects on the import and export of goods. We are dependent on India majorly for raw materials. This will be a challenge for us. India is the biggest market for Nepal including China,” Dugar added.&nbsp;

He said the government has limited resources but is trying to provide market to small industries as 'the country cannot be dependent on imports for long’.&nbsp;

As Nepal’s economy is heavily dependent on remittance, the economic advisor said, “Due to the pandemic, Nepali nationals working in different countries are coming back home. So, for them, we are trying to generate employment.”&nbsp;

Continued political instability and weak governance is hampering the development initiatives in the country. &nbsp;

Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP) is anticipated to grow by 3.1% in fiscal year (FY) 2021 from a contraction of 1.9% in FY2020, says the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, the flagship economic publication of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).&nbsp;

The fiscal year 2020-21 ends in mid July and the country is expected to recover from the financial crisis triggered due to nationwide lockdown in 2020, but the country has been hit by the second wave of coronavirus and is again under lockdown. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WION asked the economic advisor about the expansion and investment in the health sector as the country is grappling with the coronavirus, he said, the “situation is under control.” &nbsp;

“The number of wards are being increased in both private and government hospitals. There are vacant government-owned buildings, which will be used as isolation wards. The pharmaceutical industries, which were closed, are being provided with facilities to revive,” Dugar told WION. &nbsp;

He said Nepal is manufacturing masks, sanitizers and ventilators and more doctors are being trained to treat COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

According to a World Bank Report, the economic benefits of vaccination are huge: The current vaccination campaign in South Asia will prevent a cumulated 10 per cent GDP loss in 2022 and beyond, at the cost of up to 0.55% of GDP in the region.&nbsp;

“Nepal is trying to reach a deal with Russia for two million Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines. There is an ongoing decision with China. Further, Nepal has paid the due amount to India for two million doses of Covishield vaccines,” Dugar told WION. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dugar said government has aimed to vaccinate 60-70 per cent of population by the end of the year 2021. &nbsp;

Nepal is currently under tremendous pressure due to second wave of coronavirus, economic crisis and political instability. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Opposition Nepali Congress lawmaker Pradeep Giri said, “Nepal is in a very confusing state. The constitution, which was so greatly installed and praised, is now very much being questioned.”&nbsp;

Recently, PM Oli-led government lost majority in the House of Representatives after Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' led-CPN Maoist Centre withdrew its support to the Prime Minister. &nbsp;

“Mr Oli wants to get an early election under his leadership and other parties are not happy about it. So, the parties are trying for a fresh election, which is more impartial and in a judicious way. We cannot say what will be the outcome,” Giri told WION. &nbsp;

He said Nepal is a very poor country and does not have resources like other countries and Nepal’s domestic politics is impacting its foreign relations.&nbsp;

Speaking on the impacts of domestic politics on international relations, he said, “China has been showing a very keen interest in the affairs of the Nepalese politics. With the increase in China’s interest, Americans have become equally ambitious and so the European Union.” &nbsp;

Sooner or later, the country would have to seek a fresh mandate of the people to ensure long-term peace and stability.&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases in Nepal are skyrocketing and hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with the huge influx of COVID-19 patients. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking help from other nations and also is under pressure because of the political crisis that is looming over his government.

Coronavirus cases in Nepal are skyrocketing and hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with the huge influx of COVID-19 patients. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking help from other nations and also is under pressure because of the political crisis that is looming over his government. “Nepal is facing the worst situation. As the pandemic is currently ravaging the country, we are trying to ensure continuous supply of food and prioritise the food security of the citizens. We need to boost our online business, e-commerce companies and meet the demands of our consumers,” Moti Lal Dugar, special economic advisor to PM Oli told WION. “All the flights have been suspended and many borders with India have been closed, which will result in serious effects on the import and export of goods. We are dependent on India majorly for raw materials. This will be a challenge for us. India is the biggest market for Nepal including China,” Dugar added. He said the government has limited resources but is trying to provide market to small industries as 'the country cannot be dependent on imports for long’. As Nepal’s economy is heavily dependent on remittance, the economic advisor said, “Due to the pandemic, Nepali nationals working in different countries are coming back home. So, for them, we are trying to generate employment.” Continued political instability and weak governance is hampering the development initiatives in the country. Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP) is anticipated to grow by 3.1% in fiscal year (FY) 2021 from a contraction of 1.9% in FY2020, says the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021, the flagship economic publication of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The fiscal year 2020-21 ends in mid July and the country is expected to recover from the financial crisis triggered due to nationwide lockdown in 2020, but the country has been hit by the second wave of coronavirus and is again under lockdown. WION asked the economic advisor about the expansion and investment in the health sector as the country is grappling with the coronavirus, he said, the “situation is under control.” “The number of wards are being increased in both private and government hospitals. There are vacant government-owned buildings, which will be used as isolation wards. The pharmaceutical industries, which were closed, are being provided with facilities to revive,” Dugar told WION. He said Nepal is manufacturing masks, sanitizers and ventilators and more doctors are being trained to treat COVID-19 patients. According to a World Bank Report, the economic benefits of vaccination are huge: The current vaccination campaign in South Asia will prevent a cumulated 10 per cent GDP loss in 2022 and beyond, at the cost of up to 0.55% of GDP in the region. “Nepal is trying to reach a deal with Russia for two million Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines. There is an ongoing decision with China. Further, Nepal has paid the due amount to India for two million doses of Covishield vaccines,” Dugar told WION. Dugar said government has aimed to vaccinate 60-70 per cent of population by the end of the year 2021. Nepal is currently under tremendous pressure due to second wave of coronavirus, economic crisis and political instability. Speaking to WION, Opposition Nepali Congress lawmaker Pradeep Giri said, “Nepal is in a very confusing state. The constitution, which was so greatly installed and praised, is now very much being questioned.” Recently, PM Oli-led government lost majority in the House of Representatives after Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' led-CPN Maoist Centre withdrew its support to the Prime Minister. “Mr Oli wants to get an early election under his leadership and other parties are not happy about it. So, the parties are trying for a fresh election, which is more impartial and in a judicious way. We cannot say what will be the outcome,” Giri told WION. He said Nepal is a very poor country and does not have resources like other countries and Nepal’s domestic politics is impacting its foreign relations. Speaking on the impacts of domestic politics on international relations, he said, “China has been showing a very keen interest in the affairs of the Nepalese politics. With the increase in China’s interest, Americans have become equally ambitious and so the European Union.” Sooner or later, the country would have to seek a fresh mandate of the people to ensure long-term peace and stability.

Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal  

As India is battering a new wave of the novel coronavirus, the situation in neighbouring Nepal is also grim.

COVID-19: Nepal's Coronavirus tally hits new high

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the Himalayan Times, the agenda behind gathering the Council of Ministers has not been disclosed yet but the meeting is expected to discuss the COVID-19 crisis that has engulfed the nation.

The meeting comes after the KP Sharma Oli government lost its majority in the parliament ahead of a vote of confidence as the CPN-Maoist Center withdrew its support formally on Wednesday. CPN-Maoist Center on Wednesday submitted a letter informing the Parliament Secretariat that it no more part of the government led by Prime Minister Oli.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pandemic-political-instability-economic-crisis-rattles-nepal-383631">Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal</a>

On Thursday, Nepal reported 9,070 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative caseload to 368,580. According to the country`s health ministry, the positivity rate stood at 42.90 per cent.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. According to the Himalayan Times, the agenda behind gathering the Council of Ministers has not been disclosed yet but the meeting is expected to discuss the COVID-19 crisis that has engulfed the nation. The meeting comes after the KP Sharma Oli government lost its majority in the parliament ahead of a vote of confidence as the CPN-Maoist Center withdrew its support formally on Wednesday. CPN-Maoist Center on Wednesday submitted a letter informing the Parliament Secretariat that it no more part of the government led by Prime Minister Oli. Also read | Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal On Thursday, Nepal reported 9,070 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative caseload to 368,580. According to the country`s health ministry, the positivity rate stood at 42.90 per cent.

Nepal PM summons emergency cabinet meeting

An inspiration: Nepal's Kami Rita Sherpa ascents Mt Everest for record 25th time amid pandemic

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount&nbsp;Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue.

This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;permits to more than 400 people, a new record.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak">COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak</a>

An&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition.

But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of&nbsp;Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive">Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive</a>

Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill.

"I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for&nbsp;Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit to confirm his infection.

"I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said.

Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp.&nbsp;

"I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest&nbsp;base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29.

"It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first.&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with."&nbsp;

Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks.

At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu.&nbsp;

But the government has yet to confirm a single&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;case on&nbsp;Everest.

"Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang.

Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease.

"We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said.

More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of&nbsp;Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak.

But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others.&nbsp;

Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs.&nbsp;

"We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;agency at&nbsp;Everest.

"We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing."

More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting&nbsp;Covid.

The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds.

Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems.&nbsp;

An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;this week.&nbsp;

Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said.

Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;groups could pose severe health risks.

Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge.

"We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit&nbsp;Everest.&nbsp;

"What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain. Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue. This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued climbing permits to more than 400 people, a new record. Also read- COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak An Everest permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition. But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks. Also read- Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill. "I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an Everest permit to confirm his infection. "I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of Covid is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said. Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp. "I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The Covid situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29. "It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first. Covid at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with." Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks. At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu. But the government has yet to confirm a single Covid case on Everest. "Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang. Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease. "We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said. More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak. But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others. Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs. "We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest climbing agency at Everest. "We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing." More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting Covid. The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds. Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems. An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for Covid this week. Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said. Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among climbing groups could pose severe health risks. Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge. "We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit Everest. "What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise

As India is battering a new wave of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>, the situation in neighbouring Nepal is also grim.&nbsp;

As many as 44 per cent of Nepal's Covid tests came back positive last weekend, as per government data quoted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), warning of a severe crisis.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/nepal-halts-domestic-international-flights-amid-covid-19-surge-382654/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What is happening in India right now is a horrifying preview of Nepal's future if we cannot contain this latest Covid surge that is claiming more lives by the minute," Dr. Netra Prasad Nepal's, Red Cross chairperson, said in a statement.

Nepal has fewer doctors per capita than India and is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinating</a>&nbsp;at an even slower pace as compared to India.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-seeks-international-help-to-fight-covid-19-pandemic-382681">Nepal seeks international help to fight COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Mass gatherings, public events, festivals and political rallies have also played their role in causing a surge in the spread of coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

"The situations are worsening day by day and it may go out of control in future," Dr Samir Adhikari, a spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;

Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also received criticism for his comments on the treatment of the deadly virus as he said gargling with guava leaves helps cure the illness.

He last year said that Nepalese had a stronger immune system because they consume spices every day. 
&nbsp;

As India is battering a new wave of the novel coronavirus, the situation in neighbouring Nepal is also grim. As many as 44 per cent of Nepal's Covid tests came back positive last weekend, as per government data quoted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), warning of a severe crisis.

As India is battering a new wave of the novel coronavirus, the situation in neighbouring Nepal is also grim. As many as 44 per cent of Nepal's Covid tests came back positive last weekend, as per government data quoted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), warning of a severe crisis. Watch | "What is happening in India right now is a horrifying preview of Nepal's future if we cannot contain this latest Covid surge that is claiming more lives by the minute," Dr. Netra Prasad Nepal's, Red Cross chairperson, said in a statement. Nepal has fewer doctors per capita than India and is vaccinating at an even slower pace as compared to India. Also read | Nepal seeks international help to fight COVID-19 pandemic Mass gatherings, public events, festivals and political rallies have also played their role in causing a surge in the spread of coronavirus cases. "The situations are worsening day by day and it may go out of control in future," Dr Samir Adhikari, a spokesperson for Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, was quoted as saying by CNN. Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also received criticism for his comments on the treatment of the deadly virus as he said gargling with guava leaves helps cure the illness. He last year said that Nepalese had a stronger immune system because they consume spices every day.

As Covid cases in Nepal rise, Red Cross warns of looming threat of severe crisis

A few days ago world's highest peak Mount Everest, reported its first ever case of COVID-19 since then almost 17 climbers have tested positive raising fears of a serious outbreak. Base camp officials have received reports of 17 confirmed cases from a hospital in the Kathmandu, Nepal.

17 Mount Everest climbers test positive for COVID-19 raising fears of serious outbreak

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14.&nbsp;

"Since we are living in an interconnected and interlinked world, a pandemic like this spares no one and no one is safe. I would like to request our neighbours, friendly countries and international organisations to help us with vaccines, diagnostic equipment and kits, oxygen therapy, critical care medicines and critical care furniture to support our ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic," the prime minister said in English at the end of the speech.&nbsp;

Nepali authorities have been struggling to contain the rapid rise of virus cases.

"We are of the view that vaccines and critical care medicines are global goods and everyone should have access to it,” he added.&nbsp;

The prime minister also urged the people to extend support in the government’s effort in following the prohibitory orders to contain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

He also requested people to be cautious as the daily coronavirus is rising in the country.&nbsp;

As of Monday, as many as 41 districts out of the total 77 have been placed under prohibitory orders.

Oli's address to the nation came amid a political crisis. He had decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives next week on May 10, as he is facing a crisis inside his party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist.&nbsp;

Nepal Monday reported 7,448 new coronavirus cases with 37 fatalities in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 3,43,418.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14. "Since we are living in an interconnected and interlinked world, a pandemic like this spares no one and no one is safe. I would like to request our neighbours, friendly countries and international organisations to help us with vaccines, diagnostic equipment and kits, oxygen therapy, critical care medicines and critical care furniture to support our ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic," the prime minister said in English at the end of the speech. Nepali authorities have been struggling to contain the rapid rise of virus cases. "We are of the view that vaccines and critical care medicines are global goods and everyone should have access to it,” he added. The prime minister also urged the people to extend support in the government’s effort in following the prohibitory orders to contain the spread of the deadly virus. He also requested people to be cautious as the daily coronavirus is rising in the country. As of Monday, as many as 41 districts out of the total 77 have been placed under prohibitory orders. Oli's address to the nation came amid a political crisis. He had decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives next week on May 10, as he is facing a crisis inside his party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist. Nepal Monday reported 7,448 new coronavirus cases with 37 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 3,43,418.

Nepal seeks international help to fight COVID-19 pandemic

Nepal has halted all domestic and international flights till May 14. The bus services have also been completely halted in the country since April 29 as people scramble to leave Kathmandu. Nepal is currently under a 15 day lockdown.

Nepal halts domestic & international flights amid COVID-19 surge

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Monday next week, May 10, confirms Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to WION. 
 
Accordingly, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has summoned the House meeting for 1 pm on Monday.

Shrestha said that the country has to move forward and form a stable government. 
 
“The opposition party Nepali Congress and leader Madhav Kumar Nepal do not have support in the parliament like Oli has,” Shrestha told WION.

Referring to the instability of the government, the Minister said, “The country cannot run like this. The political process needs to move forward.”

A section of Oli's party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is not happy with Oli since the formation of this government in 2017, accusing him of working unilaterally as head of the government and the party.

The political crisis in the country deepened after a Supreme Court verdict rejecting the 2018 unification between the then CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre and effectively reviving the two parties on March 7.

In the 271-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML has 121 seats, the Nepali Congress 63, the CPN-Maoist Centre of former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 49, the Janata Samajbadi Party 34, and smaller parties four seats.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Monday next week, May 10, confirms Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to WION.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Monday next week, May 10, confirms Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to WION. Accordingly, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has summoned the House meeting for 1 pm on Monday. Shrestha said that the country has to move forward and form a stable government. “The opposition party Nepali Congress and leader Madhav Kumar Nepal do not have support in the parliament like Oli has,” Shrestha told WION. Referring to the instability of the government, the Minister said, “The country cannot run like this. The political process needs to move forward.” A section of Oli's party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is not happy with Oli since the formation of this government in 2017, accusing him of working unilaterally as head of the government and the party. The political crisis in the country deepened after a Supreme Court verdict rejecting the 2018 unification between the then CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre and effectively reviving the two parties on March 7. In the 271-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML has 121 seats, the Nepali Congress 63, the CPN-Maoist Centre of former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 49, the Janata Samajbadi Party 34, and smaller parties four seats.

Nepal law minister Lila Nath Shrestha confident PM Oli will win the trust vote

The government has already suspended long-haul public transport to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Nepal to suspend international and domestic flights to contain spread of coronavirus

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will seek a vote of confidence from Parliament. Oli who is facing a crisis inside his own party is set to seek trust of vote on May 10 in his bid to stay in power.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli to seek vote of confidence on May 10

Nepal`s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who is facing a crisis inside his own party, is to seek a vote of confidence on May 10. 
 
The decision was taken as Oli was increasingly facing non-cooperation from one section of his own Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist and the Nepal Communist Party-Maoist Centre has threatened to pull out from the government. 
 
A section of Oli`s own party led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is not happy with Oli, who is also the party Chairman, since the formation of this government some three years back, accusing him of working unilaterally as head of the government and the party. 
 
In the midst of this confusion, the Prime Minister has decided to seek a vote of confidence and decided to summon the house on May 10 for the purpose, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Padma Kumari Aryal told IANS. 
 
If Oli fails to garner a majority, then either he will dissolve the house and declare the elections or will seek support from other parties to run the government for the remaining two years. 
 
The rift between Oli and Nepal widened after Oli dissolved the Parliament on December 10. However in February, Nepal`s Supreme Court reinstated the Parliament but relations between Oli and Nepal soured further after Oli suspended him and some other senior party leaders close to him for six months. 
 
The Nepal faction is also creating parallel party structures after animosity grew with Oli. After facing non-cooperation from within the party, now the Prime Minister has decided to seek a vote of confidence, the minister said. 
 
Out of 121 seats, Oli has support of 86 lawmakers while the Nepal faction holds sway over 35. It is not sure whether the Nepal faction will cross the floor against his own party`s chairman. But the Nepal faction has been crossing the floors in some provinces, so it is likely to cross the floor or abstain from the trust vote, said party leaders. 
 
In the 271-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML has 121 seats, the Nepali Congress 63, the CPN-Maoist Centre of former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 49, the Janata Samajbadi Party 34, and smaller parties four seats.

Nepal`s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who is facing a crisis inside his own party, is to seek a vote of confidence on May 10. The decision was taken as Oli was increasingly facing non-cooperation from one section of his own Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist and the Nepal Communist Party-Maoist Centre has threatened to pull out from the government.

Nepal`s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who is facing a crisis inside his own party, is to seek a vote of confidence on May 10. The decision was taken as Oli was increasingly facing non-cooperation from one section of his own Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist and the Nepal Communist Party-Maoist Centre has threatened to pull out from the government. A section of Oli`s own party led by former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is not happy with Oli, who is also the party Chairman, since the formation of this government some three years back, accusing him of working unilaterally as head of the government and the party. In the midst of this confusion, the Prime Minister has decided to seek a vote of confidence and decided to summon the house on May 10 for the purpose, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Padma Kumari Aryal told IANS. If Oli fails to garner a majority, then either he will dissolve the house and declare the elections or will seek support from other parties to run the government for the remaining two years. The rift between Oli and Nepal widened after Oli dissolved the Parliament on December 10. However in February, Nepal`s Supreme Court reinstated the Parliament but relations between Oli and Nepal soured further after Oli suspended him and some other senior party leaders close to him for six months. The Nepal faction is also creating parallel party structures after animosity grew with Oli. After facing non-cooperation from within the party, now the Prime Minister has decided to seek a vote of confidence, the minister said. Out of 121 seats, Oli has support of 86 lawmakers while the Nepal faction holds sway over 35. It is not sure whether the Nepal faction will cross the floor against his own party`s chairman. But the Nepal faction has been crossing the floors in some provinces, so it is likely to cross the floor or abstain from the trust vote, said party leaders. In the 271-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML has 121 seats, the Nepali Congress 63, the CPN-Maoist Centre of former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 49, the Janata Samajbadi Party 34, and smaller parties four seats.

Nepal PM Oli to seek vote of confidence on May 10

In the past week nNepal has seen an alarming rise in cases reporting over 4,000 cases on a a daily basis. With rising cases Nepal's health infrastructure is struggle to cope with the sudden influx of patients.

Coronavirus Update: Nepal’s hospitals running out of beds

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country.

"A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday. The last record of highest coronavirus cases in a day was reported on October 21 last year, when the Nepali government reported 5,743 cases.

Nepal, which had reported cases as low as 47 on March 6, had started to see a rise in the cases in late March. But the cases have been surging rapidly in the last two weeks. In the last week, the number of cases more than doubled from 2,619 on April 24 to over 5,700 on Saturday.

Along with rising cases, hospitals are running out of beds which prompted the health ministry to issue a stern warning on Friday that the cases were rising at the scale that the health system was not able to cope with."Such a situation has arisen now that the patients cannot be provided care at the hospitals as they are running out of beds," the ministry said in a press statement on Friday.

This is obviously true in the case of Kathmandu-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital where patients exceeding the number of hospital beds have been admitted. "We have a total of 60 beds in our hospital but we are providing treatment to 78 patients at the moment," Sagar Kumar Rajbhandari, director of the hospital, told Xinhua on Saturday.

"We have five beds in the emergency ward but there are 18 patients there including in the adjoining corridor waiting for the occupied beds to become vacant."

In order to control the surging cases, the Nepali government has enforced a lockdown in the Kathmandu valley starting from April 29 for two weeks while similar measures are being adopted in many other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre headed by Nepal`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishawar Pokharel on Friday recommended to the cabinet to suspend international flights amid the coronavirus crisis, according to Nepali media reports.

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country. "A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday.

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country. "A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday. The last record of highest coronavirus cases in a day was reported on October 21 last year, when the Nepali government reported 5,743 cases. Nepal, which had reported cases as low as 47 on March 6, had started to see a rise in the cases in late March. But the cases have been surging rapidly in the last two weeks. In the last week, the number of cases more than doubled from 2,619 on April 24 to over 5,700 on Saturday. Along with rising cases, hospitals are running out of beds which prompted the health ministry to issue a stern warning on Friday that the cases were rising at the scale that the health system was not able to cope with."Such a situation has arisen now that the patients cannot be provided care at the hospitals as they are running out of beds," the ministry said in a press statement on Friday. This is obviously true in the case of Kathmandu-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital where patients exceeding the number of hospital beds have been admitted. "We have a total of 60 beds in our hospital but we are providing treatment to 78 patients at the moment," Sagar Kumar Rajbhandari, director of the hospital, told Xinhua on Saturday. "We have five beds in the emergency ward but there are 18 patients there including in the adjoining corridor waiting for the occupied beds to become vacant." In order to control the surging cases, the Nepali government has enforced a lockdown in the Kathmandu valley starting from April 29 for two weeks while similar measures are being adopted in many other parts of the country. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre headed by Nepal`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishawar Pokharel on Friday recommended to the cabinet to suspend international flights amid the coronavirus crisis, according to Nepali media reports.

Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage

A 15-day prohibitory border was enforced in the national capital Kathmandu and other districts in Nepal on Thursday, as the country grapples to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides Kathmandu, the prohibitory order has been put in place in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts from 6 am on Thursday till the midnight of May 12, according to a press release issued here.

The order has been issued by the the three chief district officers following a joint meeting in Kathmandu. 
Only essential services will operate and most of the services will remain closed until the prohibitory order is lifted, it said.

Movement of vehicles is banned in the valley during the prohibitory period. Markets supplying essential products, including food items, are open till 10 am in the morning and from 5 pm to 7 pm in the evening to ensure smooth supply of goods, the release said.

Nepal on Wednesday reported 4,774 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total tally of infections to 312,699. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country stands at 3,211.

A 15-day prohibitory border was enforced in the national capital Kathmandu and other districts in Nepal on Thursday, as the country grapples to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 15-day prohibitory border was enforced in the national capital Kathmandu and other districts in Nepal on Thursday, as the country grapples to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides Kathmandu, the prohibitory order has been put in place in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts from 6 am on Thursday till the midnight of May 12, according to a press release issued here. The order has been issued by the the three chief district officers following a joint meeting in Kathmandu. Only essential services will operate and most of the services will remain closed until the prohibitory order is lifted, it said. Movement of vehicles is banned in the valley during the prohibitory period. Markets supplying essential products, including food items, are open till 10 am in the morning and from 5 pm to 7 pm in the evening to ensure smooth supply of goods, the release said. Nepal on Wednesday reported 4,774 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total tally of infections to 312,699. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country stands at 3,211.

Nepal: Kathmandu, other cities under 15-day prohibitory order to contain COVID-19

Nepal inaugurated the new 22-storey, 84-meter white tower, that was built two and a half centuries ago as per the orders of then Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, by showering flowers from the top-floor balcony and declaring it open to the general public.

Nepal's iconic Dharahara Tower reopens

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary.&nbsp;

The 19th-century, 11-storey tower, a major tourist attraction, was among the buildings, which collapsed in the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit the country on April 25, killing nearly 9,000 people and injuring about 22,000 others.&nbsp;

Oli inaugurated the new 22-storey, 84-meter white tower, that was built two and a half centuries ago as per the orders of then Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, by showering flowers from the top-floor balcony and declaring it open to the general public.&nbsp;

The newly-built tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu city.&nbsp;

The old tower had a spiral staircase and was built by using mud, bricks and wood, while the new structure is made of concrete, iron and cement.&nbsp;

The tower had already been rebuilt once, after a 1934 earthquake and is part of a huge national reconstruction programme.&nbsp;

In December 2019, Oli laid the foundation stone of the new tower that has been built in the same architectural style as the old one but with a larger diameter and by using modern technology.&nbsp;

The new tower also has two elevators along with the traditional stairs leading up to the top floor. A garden, museum, colorful fountain, an exhibition hall, underground parking and shopping complex would also be built on its premises.&nbsp;

Its estimated cost is Nepali Rupees 3.5 billion. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary. The 19th-century, 11-storey tower, a major tourist attraction, was among the buildings, which collapsed in the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit the country on April 25, killing nearly 9,000 people and injuring about 22,000 others. Oli inaugurated the new 22-storey, 84-meter white tower, that was built two and a half centuries ago as per the orders of then Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, by showering flowers from the top-floor balcony and declaring it open to the general public. The newly-built tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu city. The old tower had a spiral staircase and was built by using mud, bricks and wood, while the new structure is made of concrete, iron and cement. The tower had already been rebuilt once, after a 1934 earthquake and is part of a huge national reconstruction programme. In December 2019, Oli laid the foundation stone of the new tower that has been built in the same architectural style as the old one but with a larger diameter and by using modern technology. The new tower also has two elevators along with the traditional stairs leading up to the top floor. A garden, museum, colorful fountain, an exhibition hall, underground parking and shopping complex would also be built on its premises. Its estimated cost is Nepali Rupees 3.5 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Oli reopens Nepal's historic quake-hit Dharahara tower 

The first case of COVID-19 has been detected at the Mount Everest Base Camp this month, shortly after Nepal reopened to climbers earlier in April. The infected patient was originally thought to be suffering from high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital in Kathmandu.

First ever case of COVID-19 detected at Mount Everest base camp

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